John Mercer Langston to By the President: The, July 25, 1878

No. 276. Mr. Langston to Mr. Evarts.

Sir: I have the honor to inclose herewith the proclamation of President Canal, with translation thereof, dated July 8, 1878, concerning the late revolutionary disturbances at Cape Haytien, their suppression and the conduct of the government troops, whose services were in requisition in connection therewith.

I am just in receipt of a dispatch from our consul, Mr. Stanislas Goutier, of Cape Haytien, by which I am advised that on the 16th of this month the St. Michel, a war-vessel of the Haytian Government, dispatched to Fort Liberty upon service connected with the troubles already referred to, and others anticipated, fired two guns at and ran into the American schooner Augustus J. Fabens, E. C. Harris, master, bound from Port au Prince to Fort Liberty, and considerably damaged said vessel, while lying to, with colors flying at topmast, for a pilot, to take her to the town of Fort Liberty.

The damages in this case amount, according to survey had, including repairs to the vessels her sails, rigging, and demurrage for forty-five days, at $30 per day, according to her charter-party, to $3,700.

This subject, with its bad features, I shall bring to the attention of the Haytian authorities without delay, and ask immediate and proper adjustment.

I am, &c.,